When it comes to mimosas – BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER. One doesn’t simply make a mimosa, no, one must always make a pitcher of mimosas! Honestly, mimosas taste better in bigger batches because the flavors get the chance to mix and settle.

Take your pitcher, add one bottle of champagne, half a bottle of orange juice, a quarter bottle of peach schnapps, add orange slices – mix everything together and pour.

Now guzzle and repeat!

The Snack

Yesterday I was craving rice crispy treats, well actually I was craving Fruity Pebble crispy treats. I’m a pretty good cook, and baker but to be honest I’ve NEVER been able to master rice crispy treats – weird, right?

But I finally felt the need to conquer making rice crispy treats, and they are surprisingly simple.

Spray the 9×13 inch pan with non-stick butter cooking spray. Take six cups of marshmallows and two tablespoons of butter and place in a non-stick frying pan on low heat. Let marshmallows and butter melt until there are no lumps; stir occasionally. I sprayed my spatula with the non-stick butter cooking spray, so the marshmallows didn’t stick to my spatula as they melted.

Once the marshmallows and butter are melted, remove from the heat and add in remaining 2 cups of marshmallows and 6 cups of Fruity Pebbles. Mix until cereal is completely coated with melted marshmallows.

Aren’t I just a regular old Martha Stewart? I don’t know what’s sadder – the fact that it’s taken me this long to learn how to make rice crispy treats or that I made them.

The Face Mask

I don’t know about you, but I often have those days where my skin needs a miracle to look good. Well, that’s when I reach for First Aid Beauty’s Bouncy Mask.

The Bouncy Mask is a 5 in 1, yes you read that right, mask that nourishes, calms, firms, plumps, and refines your face.

The Bouncy Mask is so good that it will give you your very own Mia Thermopolis moment – just kidding.

But this mask does work wonders and will make your skin look and feel a million times better.

Plus you can use this mask day or night and up to 3x a week, which means your skin should look incredible all the time.

The Shows

At the moment my world revolves around RHOC and the Real Housewives of New York – I can’t get enough! Honestly, I can’t decide which franchise is better right now. RHONY is bringing the craziness and drama, but RHOC only just started its 12th season, and the bitchiness and backstabbing has already begun.

Plus, I got to chat with Tamra Judge today, you know just a casual private message exchange on Instagram – no biggie. Meanwhile, I was peeing my pants with excitement. Love Tamra!

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That’s all the fun I have for this week, bitches. But if you want more make sure you listen to my weekly podcast Pop Fizz Clink which is available on iTunes and SoundCloud.

Will I be running in these shoes? No. Will I be wearing them with leggings to look sporty? Yes. It’s all about perception after all. Plus it is about 100 degrees on the East Coast, so running is a no-no. Who am I kidding running is always a no-no for me. But I do love running sneakers because they look super cute with my leggings.

Now, these sneakers are more up my alley. Girly, furry, and pink? Check, check, check. These are fashion sneakers which are my favorite kind of sneakers. These totally take me back to my Spice Girls days. Oh to go back to the late 90’s.

Marble and gold are two of my favorite things. I need a makeup mirror like yesterday, and I think I finally found the one I want. This way I can finally stop sitting on my bed doing my makeup and actually use my vanity. #lazy

I was given some La Mer samples, and now I’m hooked. I should have just said no, remember kids JUST SAY NO. Now I’m hooked to La Mer like a two-bit crack whore. Damn it; I didn’t need another expensive skincare product/brand to be obsessed about and lust over. #firstworldproblems

It’s still summer, but I’m already looking forward to Fall, mostly because I’m hoping to have that Fall body since my summer body didn’t exactly work out. However, I’m also looking forward to Fall because of the clothes and the colors. This oxblood purse is everything. I can’t get enough of this color. I want, I need.

Rose gold luggage? Um, yes! I need new luggage, really I do, and this piece fits the bill. It’s beautiful and is the perfect carry-on. I can see myself lugging this through the airport looking chic as fuck.

Happy shopping!

What are you currently coveting? Are there any fabulous products on your wish list?

Now, Biologique Recherche is one of the fanciest skincare brands around. The P50 Original 1970 Lotion is a toner and smells like rotten eggs – no lie. But you’ll quickly learn to deal with the smell after you see the voodoo magic it does to your skin. This toner exfoliates, hydrates, and balances your skin. It’s the missing step to your skincare routine that you never knew was missing. Trust me; you’ll love it.

PTR is a new to me skincare brand, but it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. I’m in love with the Irish Moor Mud Mask because it purifies my skin without drying it out like so many other masks. My skin feels so fresh and hydrated after using this mask and it helps keeps my skin happy.

If you want a truly spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home, look no further than the Ole Henrickson Power Peel. This product is truly one of the best – the quality, scent, and benefits of this three step system are unmatched. I love the way my skin feels after using this product. My favorites are step 1 and step 3. Step 1 is the almond scrub which makes my skin baby soft and smells divine while step 3 is a comforting chamomile mask that calms any inflammation and redness. This 3-step system is truly a game changer.

SK-II was one of the first brands to sell sheet masks, and there’s a reason it remains a cult favorite – it’s because they are the best of the best. For years I lusted over these sheet masks, and then about 5 years ago I took the plunge and never looked back. These are pricey but so worth it. Each sheet mask can be re-used 2-3 times which is incredible. Plus the glowing, hydrated, super soft skin you’re left with will keep you coming back for more.

Every so often you accidentally stumble upon a mask that is a rare gem, and this mask is one of them. I found this while getting a facial and picked this product up instead of the one my facialist recommended. Whoopsie. This anti-aging mask packs your skin with vitamins while increasing your skin’s elasticity and moisture content. I love to sleep with this mask on when my skin needs some extra oomph.

For a step by step guide on how to create a relaxing at home spa experience check out my post on DopeandBroke.com.

What are your go-to at-home facial products?

It’s Monday so that means it’s time to plan out another Girls Night In!

Getting lost in a few hours of reality TV sounds amazing right now!

I’ve got all the basics covered so don’t worry your pretty little head about a thing.

Booze? Check. Snacks? Check. Trashy TV? Check. Face Masks? Check.

This week it’s all about convenience because I’m totally LAZY and have a million things going on.

So, let’s get down to business and start getting tipsy.

The Drink

This past week I created my now favorite drink. It’s super easy to make, super low-calorie, and hydrates you while still getting you tipsy.

I’ve dubbed my drink The Skinny Bitch because it’s aspirational and it’s something we all want to be.

Here’s what you’ll need for The Skinny Bitch:

1-2 shots of chilled Absolute Lime Vodka

1 lime wedge

Cranberry Juice – I prefer Diet or Light Cranberry

Ice

Water

Take 1 lime wedge and muddle into the bottom of your glass. Take your glass and fill it with ice. Add water until the glass is filled 3/4 of the way. Then add your 1-2 shots of Absolute Lime Vodka. Add a splash – yes just a splash of cranberry juice and then squeeze remaining lime into the drink and mix.

And voila you’ll have a delicious and guilt free drink to sip on. Legit everyone kept asking me about my drink at a BBQ and everyone who tried it loved it.

Now go be a skinny bitch!

The Snack

I told you it’s all about being lazy this week and that means reaching for an old faithful in the snack department.

I’ve been dying for some ice cream without the expanding waistline and depression that follows.

So, this week I’m reaching for Halo Top which is actually really good and full of protein. Talk about guilt free snacking!

While I haven’t tried all the flavors my favorites so far are the chocolate peanut butter flavor and the sea salt caramel.

However, I just bought the Smores flavor and I can’t wait to dive into it – literally!

The FaceMask

I’m all about de-puffing this week. I swear after being out in the sun, heat, and indulging in summer foods I’m in desperate need of a detox.

While water helps de-puff my face and body I like to take extra precaution with my face. Believe me – puffy-faced Lara ain’t a cute Lara.

So this week it’s all about sheet masks that calm, hydrate, and de-puff my face perfectly.

My favorite thing to do is to mix Chill Boho with the Wild Boho Air-Dry Cream which creates constant volume throughout your hair. I love it!

The ONLY reason I blow-dry my hair is for volume, so Wild Boho is like a dream come true!

Want another tip?

These products are great to throw in your beach bag and slather on after taking a dip in the ocean or pool. Your hair will look put together without looking overdone, which is major beach day faux pas.

Now you can check getting good summer hair off your to-do list.

To hear all about my recent hair debacle and believe you do listen to my podcast Pop Fizz Clink. In the episode Pity Party I bitch all about my current hair issues – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be entertained.

What are your summer hair styling tips? Do you skip the blow-dryer in the summer?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve heard all about the Year of Yes. It’s a book by Shondra Rimes, yes Grey’s Anatomy’s brilliant creator, that’s all about saying yes to everything.

While I’ve listened to the Year of Yes thanks to the audio book gods I’m not quite ready to commit to saying yes to everything that comes my way. That’s a little too much of a commitment for me.

However, I’d like to broaden my horizons and be a little more adventurous in 2017. Unless it involves camping or hiking because I don’t do that shit.

So, here are a few things to say yes to even when you’d rather stay in bed watching a Real Housewives marathon. Damn, that sounds good.

Nightlife

I’m all about a good boozy brunch or backyard get together but when it comes to hitting up bars and da club I’m missing in action more often than not.

I’ll usually say yes to hitting up a bar then when it comes time to go I’m like ‘Oops I totally forgot I had plans’ or ‘damn it my cat died’, meanwhile I’m at home snuggled in bed with some Ben and Jerry’s.

It’s not that I hate bars, I hate dive bars and I’m not too fond of clubs unless I’m getting bottle service which let’s be real NEVER happens.

I need fancy and I need a drink or two to relax and unwind.

Plus I hate obnoxious drunk people unless it’s me and my friends.

So, I’m going to say yes to the bar and da club more often. Go out, meet new people, and maybe a hot guy or two. Hey, I can dream.

The Beach

Now I’m never one to say no to a trip down the shore, I’m a Jersey girl after all, but I do see so many people turning down trips to the beach or pool because they don’t want to get into a bathing suit. Please, bitch. Suck it up and just do it.

Even if you look like Gigi Hadid you’re probably worried about what you look like in a swimsuit which is CRAZY.

No one cares what you look like because they are most likely too busy worrying about their own cellulite and love handles to even notice you.

YOLO, bitches.

Spontaneous Plans

I’m a planner and not a fly by the seat of my pants kinda girl. If my plans for the day/night involve doing nothing being invited last minute somewhere is the bane of my existence. So dramatic, I know.

I need to get better at saying yes to random plans. Basically, I need to stop being a lazy sloth like creature.

Traveling

To be honest I’m not too bad at saying yes to traveling because I can plan in advance and I actually love it.

But I always complain that I can’t travel more because I’m too broke. So, I want to say yes to traveling more which means making a conscious effort to save more (or win the lottery;).

The point of this all is to step outside your comfort zone and stop putting off things until you’re ready because you’ll NEVER be ready.

Do the damn thing and if you’re anything like me you’ll have a blast once you’re actually there and not psyching yourself out.

To be honest, I was on the fence about this bag forever. Do I love it or hate it? After months of seeing it everywhere and on everyone – I love it. Will I ever buy it? Not sure. Part of me hates having a bag that’s so oversaturated, but then again it’s gorgeous.

A Gorgeous, stunning shoe from a brand that I can’t even try to pronounce. This mule would look amazing with skinny jeans or leggings as just a pop of something fancy. The silver adds oomph without being over the top.

Everyone, I mean EVERYONE is obsessed with this mask. It’s pretty much been sold out since it debuted. I’m a loyal follower of Sarah Glow and The Glow Recipe’s Instagram pages. They are a skincare lover’s wet dream. No lie. And I’ve been dying to get my grubby little paws on it. All I can imagine is waking up with baby soft watermelon scented skin.

My phone is a hot mess. It’s been dropped and is cracked within an inch of its life. I need to get a new phone ASAP, and this is the case I want. The TSC cases are super funny and are bound to turn heads.

Happy shopping!

What are you currently coveting? Are there any fabulous products on your wish list?

How are you spending your 4th of July?

Today was a rough day. Who knew laying by the pool was so exhausting 😉

Just kidding…well not really.

After a long day of doing nothing, there’s nothing I love more than a good Girls Night In.

And believe me, I’m an expert at creating the ultimate girls night in.

Booze? Check. Snacks? Check. Trashy TV? Check. Face Masks? Check.

Each week I will be planning out the perfect Girls Night In that you can replicate while watching your favorite reality TV shows.

Sounds perfect, right?

So, let’s get down to business and start getting tipsy.

The Drink

This week we are doing it up with one of my favorite drinks – the vodka tonic. It’s simple and delicious as hell. Just writing about it makes my mouth salivate.

Three must haves for the perfect vodka tonics? A HUGE class, lots of ice, and a shit ton of lime – I’m talking 3-4 plus pieces.

Here’s my (and everyone else 😉 vodka tonic recipe:

2 shots of GOOD, chilled vodka (dump the cheap shit)

1 lime

Tonic Water (I prefer Diet Tonic)

Ice

Fill your glass with ice. Add 2 shots of your very chilled Vodka, I prefer Absolute or any Polish vodka, trust me on this one. Add tonic water, and squeeze in half a lime. Then add 2 wedges of lime to the drink.

Cheers!

The Snack

I love popcorn, and I love elevating my popcorn with some extra flavor. Years ago, my dad and I were obsessed with this garlic rosemary popcorn, but then they stopped making it. Boo, you whore!

Instead, I started making it myself, and now it’s one of my favorite snacks.

Garlic Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn:

Bag of Popcorn

Olive Oil

Chopped Garlic

Rosemary

Parmesan Cheese

A large bowl

A frying pan

Take 2 tablespoons of olive oil and put it into frying pan with 1/2 a tablespoon of chopped garlic and 1 teaspoon of Rosemary. Add a dash of sea salt and fresh pepper. Cook on low until garlic is slightly browned.

Pop your popcorn and place into a large bowl. Drizzle heated olive oil/garlic/rosemary combo over popcorn and mix. Top popcorn with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add additional salt if needed.

Nom, nom, nom.

The FaceMask

Your skin is your number one bitch which is why I think skin care is the foundation for everything. If you have shitty skin, everything you put on top of it is going to look crappy as well.

This week I want to chat about Peter Thomas Roth’s Irish Moor Mud Mask. This is a purifying black mask that pulls out the dirt without being drying.

In fact, this mask is ultra-hydrating and fills your skin with loads of vitamins.

I shy away from most purifying masks because they dry my skin out so much. However, this mask is a game changer and has totally changed my opinion on purifying masks.

Apply the Irish Moor Mud Mask with a brush and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and apply your favorite face cream.

And voila your glowing!

The TV Shows

I literally watch Bravo for a living so that channel is always on my TV. Some of my fave Bravo shows include the Real Housewives (DUH), Southern Charm, and Vanderpump Rules.

Other hot reality shows currently? Teen Mom, the Bachelorette, Catfish, Second Wives Club, Keep Up With the Kardashian, and WAGS.

And I’m sure there are a bunch of others I’m missing. #realityTVjunkiefail

Personally, I’ll only be watching RHONY, Southern Charm, and Second Wives Club this week. But I’m super pumped for next Monday because the Real Housewives of Orange County returns! #blessed

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That’s all the fun I have for this week, bitches. But if you want more make sure you listen to my weekly podcast Pop Fizz Clink which is available on iTunes and SoundCloud.